Motorcycle Repairs Made Easier with Free Schematics

Lifehack: Motorcycle repairs can be made easier if you plan ahead and bring some of the schematics with you on your next ride. Honestly, mechanical aptitude has always been something I’ve struggled with and a little bit of forward thinking has made me more comfortable in the backcountry or on one of my trips solo trips through Southern Africa.

Let’s face it, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” we will run into some trouble and either need to rely on assistance from a stranger or your own mechanical abilities to get your ride back on the road. A few different options for you is to bring the motorcycle’s parts and user manual, in paper or electronic form, or use a resource to identify key problem areas you might run into and capture those images for reference later on.

For motorcycle parts online and schematics, I have found the website www.bikebandit.com to be very thorough and easy to navigate. The site loads quickly while using my cell phone overseas saving on data. If you need an easy way to replace those damaged parts with OEM goods this is a solid resource, especially if you find your bike at a repair shop without your manufacturer’s products in stock or a mechanic not familiar with the work needing to be done.

Another trick I find handy is to take photos of your repair manuals, either with a camera or your cell phone, so you always have access to adjustments and settings with you while riding. On more than one occasion I have had to look up certain settings and basic repairs and was thankful to have those images handy. With that said, if you have the electronic versions of your bikes manuals store them on your phone, your camera’s SD card, or a thumb drive just in case you or a mechanic will ever need them.

Currently, I am rebuilding an early 70’s Honda Trail 70 I inherited as a “basket case” project and am relying heavily on Bike Bandit’s schematics and aftermarket honda motorcycle parts selection. As the expression goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and being able to see the exploded diagram of the engine and transmission system to match parts in the boxes to places on the bike has been invaluable.

There’s my two cents on how to make things a little easier on you next time you tear into your ride! Get out there and explore; don’t be intimidated by what could go wrong and bring some of the right information with you just in case.